Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 – Which Are the Top Earbuds of 2023?

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs AirPods Pro 2: A Comprehensive Comparison

Design and Comfort

Sony’s latest WF-1000XM5 earbuds flaunt a redesigned build, focused on increased comfort. Though the case remains similar to its predecessor, it has become slightly smaller and thicker when compared to the AirPods Pro 2 case. However, the Sony case is noticeably lighter, despite its bulkier appearance. The AirPods offer more flexibility with MagSafe and Apple Watch charger support.

Price

The Sony’s are priced at $300, a bit higher than the $250 AirPods, though the latter can be found for $199 on Amazon.

Battery Life

The battery life comparison leans in favor of Sony, with the earbuds offering 30 hours with the case compared to 24 hours for the AirPods. The Sony buds also boast an 8-hour playtime compared to 6 hours from the AirPods, often exceeding the rating in real-world use.

In-Ear Comfort

Sony’s foam ear tips offer a comfortable fit, quickly expanding to create a snug seal. However, some may find the AirPods’ silicone tips and vent system more comfortable due to the lighter feel and pressure release.

Controls

AirPods’ stem controls offer an easy click-or-slide mechanism for various functions. Sony, on the other hand, requires taps (up to four) to adjust the volume and other settings. Both have Quick Connect functions, but compatibility varies between Android and iOS devices.

Microphone Quality

Both earbuds feature high-quality microphones, though subjective testing may reveal slight differences.

Active Noise Cancellation

Both devices offer significant noise cancellation. Sony’s foam tips add extra passive noise blocking, but some users may notice more high-frequency sound compared to AirPods. Both perform well in various noise scenarios, with subtle differences in high and low-frequency handling.

Ambient/Transparency Mode

Sony’s ambient mode reacts to the user’s voice, while Apple is also planning to add a similar feature. Both perform impressively in transparency mode, providing natural sound.

Sound Quality

Three music genre comparisons reveal a win for Sony in EDM and modern classic tracks, with a more natural and less fatiguing sound. The AirPods performed better with rock music due to their louder volume. Sound quality enthusiasts may prefer Sony, but Apple users desiring iOS features might lean towards AirPods.

Conclusion

The new Sony WF-1000XM5 excels in many areas, offering extra features, better sound quality, and enhanced battery life. However, iOS users may still prefer the AirPods for their exclusive features and lower price. For Android users, Sony appears to be a no-brainer. The choice depends on individual preferences and specific requirements, such as sound quality, battery life, or integration with other Apple products.

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Title: Sony WF-1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 – Which Are the Top Earbuds of 2023?